If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in California, taking the right steps immediately after your dismissal can make a significant difference in your ability to pursue justice and protect your rights. Acting quickly and strategically will help you build a stronger legal case, if necessary.

1. Stay Calm and Professional

While losing your job can be emotional and frustrating—especially if it feels unjust—it’s important to remain calm and composed. Avoid burning bridges, saying things in anger, or acting out. Maintaining professionalism can protect your reputation and help your case later if you pursue legal action.

2. Request a Termination Letter

Ask your employer for a written explanation of your termination. While not legally required in most cases, having documentation can provide insight into the employer’s reasoning, which may be useful if your firing was actually based on an illegal motive.

3. Collect Evidence

Begin gathering any relevant evidence that supports your claim. This may include:

• Employment agreements or offer letters
• Email or text communications with supervisors
• Performance reviews or commendations
• HR complaints or internal reports you’ve filed
• Names and statements from potential witnesses

Save copies of all documents in a secure location outside your work network.

4. Review Your Employment Records

Request a copy of your personnel file. Under California Labor Code, employers are required to provide access to your employment records within a specific time frame. These records can provide helpful context or show inconsistencies in the employer’s justification for firing you.

5. Document What Happened

Write a detailed timeline of events leading up to your termination while everything is still fresh in your memory. Include relevant dates, names, conversations, and the context surrounding your firing. These notes can serve as valuable evidence for your attorney or in a legal proceeding.

6. File a Complaint with the Appropriate Agency

Depending on the circumstances of your termination, you may file a complaint with one of the following agencies:

• California Civil Rights Department (CRD) – formerly DFEH – for discrimination or retaliation
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – for violations of federal employment rights
• California Labor Commissioner’s Office – for wage, hour, or labor law violations

7. Speak with an Employment Attorney

An experienced wrongful termination attorney can review your case, help you determine if your firing was illegal, and guide you through the legal process. Most employment lawyers in California offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless they win your case.

Conclusion

Being wrongfully terminated is difficult, but knowing your rights and acting quickly can put you in a stronger position to hold your employer accountable. Keep records, stay calm, and speak to a qualified attorney as soon as possible to explore your legal options.